Why hard-hats in a construction zone with no overhead work going on?

Question

Where I work I had to go try to thaw an outside pipe that had frozen. Some other workers had torn down some outbuildings and are now only moving dirt around, and moving huge boulders. The only thing that could possibly fall on me (and that's a very unlikely thing, since we were several hundred yards away from the other action) was a huge boulder. We were required to wear orange vests and a hardhat. The orange vests, I can understand.. but what good is a hard hat against a 800 pound boulder? Not much, I suspect.

Answer 1

Machinery- when operating debry may fly around. Anything is possible, plus its also a liability.

Answer 2

From a company standpoint:  liability can be reduced by expecting the unexpected.

Blanket requirements are easier to enforce and offer some measure of protection from the occasional freak accident. Hard hats, eye protection and proper clothing are minimum standards of  personal safety and in most cases required by law.

Answer 3

Hardhats are made to protect against smaller objects impacting you head. Quick scenario, man walking by with a 2x4 (3 stooges style). He turns around quickly and hits you in the head with the 2x4. Or, you are thawing the frozen pipe lose your balance for a second, and hit your head on the pipe. I don't like wearing a hardhat, but with a careless worker around (and every job site has one), I'd rather have one and not need it, than need it and not have it.